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Finger Rock Trailhead: A Desert Hiking Gem

Hike to iconic Finger Rock through diverse Sonoran Desert landscape, a challenging climb with rewarding Tucson views.

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The Finger Rock Trailhead, located in Tucson, Arizona, provides access to a challenging yet rewarding hike into the Santa Catalina Mountains. The iconic Finger Rock formation, a 100-foot rock spire, is a prominent landmark. The trail offers stunning views and diverse Sonoran Desert flora.

A brief summary to Finger Rock Trailhead

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the parking lot fills up quickly.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, to avoid dehydration.
  • Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the desert sun.
  • Be aware of rattlesnakes and other desert wildlife, especially during warmer months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Tucson, drive north on N Alvernon Way for approximately 10 miles. The Richard McKee Finger Rock Trailhead will be on your left, just past E Ina Road. The parking lot is located at the northern end of Alvernon Way. Parking is free, but the lot is small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider carpooling or arriving early. Overnight parking requires a permit from Pima County.

  • Ride Share

    Request a ride to the Richard McKee Finger Rock Trailhead, located at 7119 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85718. From downtown Tucson, a ride-share will cost approximately $20-30, depending on the time of day and demand.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to the trailhead, you can take a bus to a nearby stop and then walk or take a ride-share to the trailhead. Take the bus route 102 to the intersection of Alvernon Way and Skyline Drive. From there, it is approximately a 1.5-mile walk north on Alvernon Way to the trailhead. A single bus fare is $1.75.

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Discover more about Finger Rock Trailhead

The Finger Rock Trailhead, officially named the Richard McKee Finger Rock Trailhead, is a popular gateway to the Pusch Ridge Wilderness in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The trailhead is named in honor of Richard McKee, a conservation advocate. The main attraction is the Finger Rock formation, a 100-foot tall rock structure resembling an index finger pointing towards the sky. The Finger Rock Trail itself is an 8.2-mile out-and-back trail that is known for its challenging ascent and rewarding views. The trail gradually becomes steeper and rockier as it progresses, with an elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. The first mile of the trail is relatively level. Hikers can tailor their experience by hiking to Finger Rock Spring, about 1 mile from the trailhead, or continuing further for a more strenuous hike. The trail does not go directly to Finger Rock but terminates at the junction with Ventana Trail and Esperero Trail. The trail passes through various life zones, starting in the Sonoran Desert with its iconic saguaro cacti, and climbing through scrub grassland to Madrean oak woodland. The best time to hike the Finger Rock Trail is between October and April due to the cooler temperatures. Summer hikes are possible, but it is best to start early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the extreme heat.

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